On June 2, 2025, the high-profile Karen Read trial resumed in Dedham, Massachusetts, with the defense, led by attorney Alan Jackson, calling witnesses to contest charges that Read killed her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. The 45-year-old is accused of second-degree murder, manslaughter while driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident after allegedly striking O’Keefe with her SUV and abandoning him in the snow outside a Canton home in 2022. The prosecution rested its case last week, and the defense began presenting its case, focusing on digital and forensic evidence to dispute the prosecution’s claims. The trial, which ended in a hung jury in 2024, has drawn significant attention, with live broadcasts starting at 9 a.m. The defense expects to call witnesses for up to two weeks, a sharp increase from the two days in the first trial.
The case has been marked by controversies, including text messages involving former Massachusetts State Police trooper Michael Proctor, who was not called as a prosecution witness this time. The defense’s strategy hinges on technical evidence to challenge the narrative that Read caused O’Keefe’s death.
Judge Beverly Cannone has yet to rule on the defense’s request to include four witnesses linked to Proctor’s group texts, a point of contention with the prosecution.
- Main charges: Second-degree murder, manslaughter, leaving the scene.
- Incident location: Canton, Massachusetts, in 2022.
- Expected duration: Defense witnesses for up to two weeks.
Current phase of the trial
The trial’s resumption marks a critical phase as the defense seeks to clear Karen Read’s name. Following the prosecution’s conclusion on Thursday, led by special prosecutor Hank Brennan, the defense began its case on Friday, introducing technical testimony to counter the accusation that Read struck O’Keefe and left him to die.
Alan Jackson’s team aims to persuade the jury that Read is not responsible for O’Keefe’s death, challenging the prosecution’s reliance on GPS data and witness accounts from the night of the incident. The defense’s approach emphasizes forensic and digital evidence to reshape the narrative.
Initial defense testimony
The defense’s first witness, Matthew DiSogra, a digital forensics and crash reconstruction expert, testified that O’Keefe’s phone was locked after Read’s SUV reversed outside 34 Fairview Road in Canton. This evidence, according to the defense, suggests O’Keefe was not hit by the vehicle, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that O’Keefe’s phone remained stationary after Read’s maneuver.
During cross-examination, Brennan questioned DiSogra’s credibility, noting that the expert conducted no specific tests for the case. The testimony set the stage for further technical evidence expected in the coming days.
- Key witness: Matthew DiSogra, digital forensics specialist.
- Presented evidence: Phone data indicating activity post-maneuver.
- Prosecution’s counter: Lack of case-specific testing by DiSogra.
Case background
The Karen Read case began on January 28, 2022, when John O’Keefe, a Boston police officer, was found dead in the snow outside a Canton residence after a night of drinking with Read and others. The prosecution alleges that Read, intoxicated, struck O’Keefe with her SUV and left him to die, while the defense contends that other factors, yet to be clarified, caused his death.
In 2024, Read’s first trial ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. The 2025 trial has garnered increased scrutiny due to new technical witnesses and the controversy surrounding Michael Proctor’s text messages.
Witness controversy
The defense seeks to call four witnesses who exchanged group texts with Michael Proctor, a former state trooper who testified in the first trial but was not summoned by the prosecution this time. These messages, the defense argues, could raise doubts about the initial investigation’s integrity, though the prosecution disputes their relevance, claiming they lack direct connection to the case.
Judge Beverly Cannone’s pending decision on these witnesses could shape the trial’s trajectory. Proctor’s absence from the prosecution’s witness list has also sparked speculation about their strategy.
Focus on technical evidence
The defense is heavily relying on technical evidence to dismantle the prosecution’s case. Beyond the phone data presented by DiSogra, additional experts in digital forensics and crash reconstruction are expected to testify, analyzing the incident’s dynamics.
The prosecution has leaned on GPS records from Read’s SUV and accounts from individuals present that night to argue that Read caused O’Keefe’s death. Vehicle data, including speed and direction, remains a central point of contention between the two sides.
- Defense strategy: Digital data and incident reconstruction.
- Prosecution’s stance: GPS records and eyewitness testimony.
- Next steps: Additional technical experts to testify.
- Disputed issue: Interpretation of SUV and phone data.
Local reaction
The case has deeply engaged the Boston community, particularly given O’Keefe’s role as a local police officer. Supporters of Read, who denies the charges, have held rallies outside the courthouse, while others honor O’Keefe’s memory, calling for justice. Extensive media coverage underscores the case’s public significance.
In Canton, where the incident occurred, residents report divided opinions, with debates over the police investigation’s handling. Proctor’s absence as a witness has reignited discussions about law enforcement transparency.
Event timeline
The events leading to the trial unfolded on the night of January 28, 2022, when Read and O’Keefe attended a social gathering. After leaving, the prosecution claims Read drove while intoxicated and struck O’Keefe, while the defense suggests he may have been harmed at the residence where he was found.
O’Keefe’s body was discovered the next morning, covered in snow, with signs of trauma. The initial investigation pinpointed Read as the primary suspect, leading to her arrest weeks later.
- Incident date: January 28-29, 2022.
- First trial: 2024, ended in a hung jury.
- Current trial: Started in 2025, focusing on technical evidence.
- Current focus: Digital and forensic testimony.
Defense preparations
Alan Jackson’s team plans to extend the witness phase for up to two weeks, a significant expansion from the first trial’s two days. The strategy includes technical experts to clarify the incident’s circumstances and potentially witnesses tied to the initial investigation.
The inclusion of Proctor-related witnesses hinges on Judge Cannone’s ruling, which will determine if the group texts are admissible. The defense believes these testimonies could challenge the 2022 investigation’s credibility.
Court proceedings
The trial is held at the Dedham courthouse, with daily sessions starting at 9 a.m. Live broadcasts by outlets like CBS Boston allow the public to follow testimony in real time. Judge Cannone maintains a strict schedule, with full days dedicated to witness statements.
The defense is expected to continue presenting technical witnesses in the coming days, while the prosecution prepares cross-examinations to contest the evidence introduced.
Public engagement
The Karen Read case has captured widespread attention, dominating social media and local news. Online groups debate the evidence, while Boston TV stations provide daily trial updates. The divide between Read’s supporters and those advocating for O’Keefe reflects the case’s complexity.
Community events in Boston, including vigils for O’Keefe, have drawn crowds, alongside peaceful protests supporting Read, whom many believe was wrongly targeted by a flawed investigation.
- Media coverage: Live broadcasts and daily analyses.
- Community response: Split between Read and O’Keefe supporters.
- Local activism: Vigils and protests in Boston and Canton.